Berent. I suppose all this might have a bad effect upon the export trade of this part of the country? Tjaelde. Yes--it is really hard to tell; but the important thing certainly is to keep every one on their legs. Berent. That is your opinion? Tjaelde. Undoubtedly. Berent. As a general rule a crisis of this sort shows up the unsound elements in a commercial community. Tjaelde (with a smile). And for that reason this crisis should be allowed to take its natural course, you mean? Berent. That is my meaning. Tjaelde. Hm!--In some places it is possible that the dividing line between the sound firms and the unsound may not be very distinct. Berent. Can there really be any danger of such a thing here? Tjaelde. Well--you are expecting too much of my knowledge of affairs; but I should be inclined to think that there may. (A pause.) Berent. I have been instructed by the banks to prepare an opinion upon the situation--a fact which I have, so far, only confided to you. Tjaelde. I am much obliged. Berent. The smaller local banks here have combined, and are acting in concert. Tjaelde. Indeed? (A pause.) I suppose you have seen Mr. Holst, then? Berent. Of course. (A pause.) If we are to assist the sound firms and leave the others to their fate, the best way will certainly be for all alike to disclose their actual position. Tjaelde. Is that Mr. Holst's opinion too? Berent. It is. (A pause.) I have advised him for the present--at all events till we have all the balance-sheets--to say "no" to every request for an advance, without exception. Tjaelde. (with a look of relief). I understand! Berent. Only a temporary measure, of course-- Tjaelde. Quite so! Berent.--but one that must apply to every one impartially. Tjaelde. Admirable! Berent. Not to treat every one alike would be to run the danger of throwing premature suspicion on individuals. Tjaelde. I quite agree. Berent. I am delighted to hear it. Then you will not misunderstand me if I ask you also to prepare a balance-sheet which shall show the actual position of your firm. Tjaelde. With the greatest pleasure, if by doing so I can assist the general welfare. Berent. I assure you, you can. It is by such means that public confidence is strengthened. Tjaelde. When do you want the balance-sheet? Of course, it can only be a summary one. Berent. Naturally. I will give myself the pleasure of calling for it. Tjaelde. By no means. I can let you have it at once, if you like. I am in the habit of frequently drawing up summary balance-sheets of that kind--as prices rise and fall, you know. Berent. Indeed? (Smiles.) You know, of course, what they say of swindlers--that they draw up three balance-sheets everyday, and all different! But you are teaching me, apparently-- Tjaelde (laughing).--that others too, may have that bad habit!--though I haven't actually got as far as three a day! Berent. Of course I was only joking. (Gets up.)